European E. Coli Traced to Egyptian Fenugreek Seeds

by Hana Levi Julian, MSW

Fenugreek seeds

Israel news photo: Wikipedia 

A deadly outbreak of the E. coli pathogen that spread across Europe last month has been traced to a shipment of contaminated fenugreek seeds from Egypt. Originally it was believed that contaminated fresh produce from Spain was the source although no conclusive evidence was found.


The seeds were apparently brought into Europe through a German importer, who then distributed the spice to others, according to a joint report released Thursday by investigators.
“The consumption of fenugreek sprouts has been implicated as a possible source of the recent E. coli O104:H4 outbreak in Germany and France,” reported the European Food Safety Authority and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
Officials followed up and reported on a second outbreak of the E. coli pathogen when it struck Bordeaux, France, where they also identified a cluster of haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The strain, capable of producing “Shiga” toxins, causes sickness ranging from mild intestinal disease to severe kidney complications. A serious and sometimes deadly complication, HUS is characterized by acute renal failure, haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia. Transmission of the infection occurs mainly through contaminated food, water or contact with animals, although person-to-person transmission is also possible among close contacts. Read the rest on: Arutz7